The following is from PetPlace.com:
The loss of a close friend can be devastating, and pets can be among our dearest companions. Dealing with the loss of a beloved pet can be very hard.
Today I want to share a story we received from Peg from Elbridge, NY about the loss of Willy ... her cat and her soul mate.
Here is Peg's story:
Willy came into my life at about 10 weeks old, following the death of my husband in 1997.
Willy was a special cat who knew all of my moods and was there for me every moment of every day. He had always had what we thought to be a "hairball cough" that I treated with hairball remedy.
Last October the cough grew more persistent and I took him to my vet who thought he had feline asthma. He was treated with prednisone, but did not get better. In January the vet did a complete blood workup, which did not show any problems, so the prednisone was continued. Then on Feb. 17 I noticed he was having labored breathing so I watched him very closely for the next 2 days. On Feb. 19 (his 10th birthday), he wasn't any better so I took him back to the vet. He did an x-ray and it showed a large mass taking up space in his lung. It was inoperable, and I had to make the decision to have him euthanized the next day.
I was there with him when the procedure was done and I kept my hand on his head until it was over. I have cried every day since then, and will continue to grieve for a time. I had him cremated and brought the ashes home this week. In the spring I will bury his ashes along with his favorite toy, which was a stuffed catnip mouse, in my flower garden. Since I'm a widow, I'll probably be the only one there, unless my daughter and her family come out. I will put a pet grave marker on top of his grave.
He was my best friend, and he filled that hole in my heart with sunshine and joy every day of his life. He will never be forgotten. I have photos of him all over my house, because he went into every room in my house. He slept on the foot of my bed, and loved to snuggle in my lap.
I love you dear Willy and always will!
Thanks for sharing Peg. As cat owners, we are all blessed to have a cat in our lives. They make our lives richer and more rewarding.
We have an excellent article that will help you to better understand and cope with the loss of a pet. It is titled "Coping with Pet Loss". To read this article, go to: www.petplace.com/cats/coping-with-pet-loss
Have a great weekend and be sure to enjoy some time with your cat.
All My Best,
Dr. Jon
